Gauff saves match points to set up Rybakina semi-final

Coco Gauff has saved two match points to beat Mirra Andreeva and set up a US Open semi-final against Elena Rybakina. The American fourth seed came from behind to win in a decider, 2-6 7-6 (9-7) 6-2. Gauff's victory marks back-to-back Grand Slam semi-finals for the two-time major champion and her first in New York since 2023. Progression to the last four is a first for the top four seeds since Wimbledon in 2009. Rybakina, who reached the semi-finals without losing a set, is guaranteed to secure the number one ranking for the first time in her career by advancing. Gauff's performance was inspired by her compatriot Frances Tiafoe's comeback victory on Tuesday night. The 22-year-old saved two match points in the tie-break, a turning point in the match. Gauff's win is her 10th Grand Slam semi-final appearance. Rybakina has won 17 consecutive matches, the longest streak in the women's singles. Gauff's 22 winners were vastly outnumbered by 42 unforced errors, including 12 double faults. Rybakina recovered from losing a set for the first time this tournament and going break-point down in the decider. Gauff's victory sets up a semi-final against the incoming world number one, Elena Rybakina. Rybakina trailed Aryna Sabalenka by just 434 points before the US Open and was guaranteed to secure the number one ranking by reaching the semi-finals. Gauff's win over Andreeva is her first victory over a top-five opponent since 2022. The crowd played a significant role in Gauff's victory, with her described as 'blown away' by the partisan crowd. Gauff said her performance was inspired by Tiafoe's comeback victory and that she was trying to leave the court with no regrets. Rybakina's rise to world number one is being hailed as 'just a number' by some, who feel it is premature to celebrate her achievement. Gauff's win sets up a semi-final against Rybakina, who is looking to make history by becoming the first woman to hold all four Grand Slam singles titles simultaneously. The US Open is Gauff's fifth consecutive Grand Slam tournament. Gauff's victory marks a significant moment in her career, with her now competing for her third major title. Gauff's coach has praised her performance, describing it as 'one of the best' of her career. Gauff's win sets up a semi-final against Rybakina, who is looking to make history by becoming the first woman to hold all four Grand Slam singles titles simultaneously. The US Open is Gauff's fifth consecutive Grand Slam tournament. Gauff's victory marks a significant moment in her career, with her now competing for her third major title. Gauff's coach has praised her performance, describing it as 'one of the best' of her career. Rybakina has won 17 consecutive matches, the longest streak in the women's singles. Gauff's 22 winners were vastly outnumbered by 42 unforced errors, including 12 double faults. Rybakina's rise to world number one is being hailed as 'just a number' by some, who feel it is premature to celebrate her achievement. Gauff's win over Andreeva is her first victory over a top-five opponent since 2022. Gauff's victory sets up a semi-final against Rybakina, who is looking to make history by becoming the first woman to hold all four Grand Slam singles titles simultaneously. Gauff's coach has praised her performance, describing it as 'one of the best' of her career.